Home networking over power lines

1 June 2008

If Eskom is not using your power lines to transport power, perhaps it is time to make use of all that spare infrastructure by implementing a home network over the same cables. To this end, Nology has introduced the new Billion 2070P HomePlug AV adapter.

This device plugs into any electrical socket in the home or office and is capable of simultaneously receiving and sending data signals down the power cord.

Says Riaan Leuschner, managing director of Nology: "This adapter is ideal for residential users as it makes use of existing power points (plugs) within the house. It makes use of power line technology as the conduit for data, voice and video traffic. It can be plugged directly into an Ethernet port on a router allowing people elsewhere in the house to share Internet access using computers that are connected with the Billion 2070P.

"Ethernet devices such as modems, routers and PCs can be linked, and bandwidth-consuming applications such as video can be shared by people throughout the house."

With a data rate of up to 200 Mbps, this adapter can be used for triple-play applications such as IPTV, VoIP telephony and high-speed Internet access. The Billion 2070P is currently only available as part of the BiPAC P101 HomePlug AV 200 Desktop Starter Kit and it comes with a built-in 12 V d.c. adapter so that you can connect it to any Billion ADSL router without the need for an extra power adapter.